The East Bay’s shores are ripe with clams and crustaceous critters, so it makes sense that it would also be a destination for seafood, and with Memorial Day behind us, these seasonal shanties are officially open for summer. Many of these mainstays are household names, but we’ve included some under-the-current clam shacks worth paying a visit, too.
An order of Amaral’s namesake dish is a great place to start, but dig a little deeper and find clams served up in all styles, from a dinner plate with fries, coleslaw, and tarter sauce to clam strip or whole belly between bread in a grinder. Warren
Both a restaurant and seafood market, find a seasonal selection of the East Bay’s bounty to cook at home or prepared platters like Clams Casino: Narragansett little necks shucked fresh and topped with house sauce and a slice of bacon. The restaurant is open for takeout and delivery with a full menu of fried and grilled favorites. Middletown
An easy choice on any enthusiast’s clam shack tour, Blount’s waterfront destination in Warren isn’t complete without clam cakes or a lobster roll in a red basket, enjoyed with a ‘Gansett on an adirondack chair. Their concession stand in Riverside remains closed for the time being, but folks can order fresh shellfish and chowder for delivery online. Warren
This seafood shack’s clam to fame dates back to 1936, born out of the rise in popularity of fried clams and rebuilding after each hurricane that blew it down. Featuring both a drive-in at Island Beach Park with walk-up counter service and a shack in Middletown near Easton’s Beach, Flo’s is a must for platters, rolls, and all things fried. Middletown & Portsmouth
No shoes or shirts are required (but masks are!) at this quintessential beach bar known for their twin lobster rolls, clam cakes, fried clams, and other fresh, affordable seafood fare. Order online to enjoy on their deck overlooking Easton’s and the Cliff Walk – with live music Tuesday evenings – or for beach blanket delivery. Newport
Waterfront dining, hospitality, and summer vibes have been tenets of this experience since opening in 1969. A menu of toasted roll sandwiches, chowder, clam strips, and stuffies are mainstays, but the Lobster Chow Mein with crispy noodles puts Evelyn’s on the map. Tiverton
Whether you’re craving elevated entrees like Baked Seafood Casserole and Shrimp Scampi or more casual fare like mozz sticks and a Fried Clam Plate, Macray’s captures the vibe with green and yellow picnic tables, palm trees, and frozen bevvies made with Del’s. Tiverton
Originally a clam shack and fish market known for their fish ‘n chips in 1954, now this all-season restaurant includes a dining room with a fireplace for colder months and a deck with prime harbor views. Find starters and entrees for all tastes – a full gluten-free menu even includes crab cakes, pasta with clam sauce, and more.
Bristol
Kids’ menu stars like chicken tenders, cheeseburgers, and hot dogs are offered alongside their Stuffed Quahogs, Tender-Sweet Clam Strip Basket, and New England Clam Chowder, making this joint a great family pit stop on the way to or from the beach. Portsmouth
On a site dripping with maritime history, from rigging merchant and fishing boats to housing local oyster catches, soak in The Wharf’s nautical views from their rooftop bar that just reopened for the season. Clams Casino with crispy bacon or Drunken Littlenecks with local clams, fresh herbs, onion, and beer broth are both great choices. Warren
Other items that may interest you
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here